Southern California high school students recently took center stage in an engaging discussion with former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, Lakshmi Puri. Organized by the Youth Civics Think Tank (YCTT) a youth-led initiative founded by Cerritos High School senior Eshan Patil, alongside key coordinator Aparna Hande the program focused on diplomacy, advocacy, women’s empowerment, and the vital role of young people in public service. The gathering featured notable dignitaries, including Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, the inaugural Consul General of India in Los Angeles, La Palma Mayor and YCTT advisor Nitesh Patel, and Artesia Councilmember Zeel Ahir.
Fireside Chat on Leadership and Global Public Service:
During the program, Puri engaged in a fireside conversation with Eshan Patil and Saivi Sodhi, a junior at Fairmont Preparatory Academy and YCTT team member. The dialogue explored practical approaches to international diplomacy, women’s leadership, and mentorship for students aspiring to enter public service. Highlighting the core mission of the event, Patil emphasized, “A major part of our work is making civic institutions feel genuinely accessible to students who might not normally see themselves represented in these spaces. Representation matters, but access matters just as much, and young people need real opportunities to participate and speak their minds.” Additional YCTT members, including Omkar Siddeswaran and Aditya Komaragiri, also contributed to driving the organization’s youth-centric outreach.
Literary Focus on ‘Swallowing the Sun’:
The event seamlessly combined civic discussion with a literary showcase celebrating Southern California-based authors. The centerpiece of the literary segment was Puri’s acclaimed debut novel, Swallowing the Sun, which delves into women’s lives, social change, and personal resilience against the backdrop of India’s freedom struggle. Drawing partly on her family history and the progressive ideals of her parents, Puri explained that the title originates from a verse by the saint-poet Muktabai, using the metaphor of an ant swallowing the sun to symbolize human potential and breaking boundaries. The novel, which is slated for a multi-season web adaptation, beautifully bridged the afternoon’s themes of historical awareness, courage, and youth empowerment
